This simple birdhouse was built from scrap cedar and an old Ohio license plate.
Project Summary
Project: Scrap Cedar Birdhouse with License Plate Roof
Difficulty: Beginner
Build Time: About 1 hour
Materials:
- scrap cedar slats
- recycled license plate
- wood glue
- staples or small brads
Tools Used:
- miter saw
- drill
- stapler or nailer
Birds This House May Attract:
- House Wrens
- Chickadees
- Nuthatches
Materials
Scrap cedar slats
Ohio license plate
Wood glue – exterior Titebond III
1″ pin nails
3/8″ dowel (roof bend)
Dimensions
Base: 4.5″ x 4.5″
Wall height: ~4″ (you choose the height that you like)
Roof: bent license plate @ middle
Hole: 1″ for House Wrens, Chickadees, and Nuthatches. Hole sizes around 1–1¼ inches are commonly used to attract those species while keeping larger birds out.
Why I picked these birds
House Wrens are one of the most common backyard cavity nesters and often use small birdhouses placed near shrubs or trees.
Chickadees readily nest in small boxes with entrance holes around 1⅛ inches, which helps keep larger birds out.
Several species of nuthatches will also use small cavity nest boxes when natural tree cavities are scarce.
Notes from The Shop
This birdhouse was built from scrap cedar left over from another project. The roof is made by bending an old Ohio license plate over a 3/8″ dowel to create a simple ridge.
